Australian Government Funds Cairns Community Learning Annex
Media Release - 3 September 2009
Skill360 Australia was today pleased to announce that work is soon to start on the Cairns Community Learning Annex which will be built at its national office in Manunda. Confirmation that the $958,000 facility will go ahead follows advice that Skill360 Australia has received $581,900 towards the project through the Australian Government Jobs Fund initiative.
“This project will provide a substantial piece of community infrastructure, available for use both as an adult education centre and as a meeting space for local community groups, with a commitment from Skill360 to cover all costs of operation,” said Troy Williams, CEO of Skill360 Australia.
This major project, made possible as a result of the Australian Government’s Jobs Fund Program will create work for carpenters, electricians, plumbers, gasfitters, painters, roofers, bricklayers and more. The security of a large, long term construction project will enable the retention of otherwise at-risk employees and create opportunities for apprentices to complete their training.
“As a not-for-profit organisation that works with local businesses to provide apprenticeships and traineeships, this project represents what Skill360 Australia is all about. Out of trade apprentices will be employed on the project and upon completion, it will provide a community training facility,” Mr Williams said.
The Skill360 Cairns Community Learning Annex will augment existing infrastructure in Cairns by providing an easily accessible learning and meeting facility that is readily available for not-for-profit organisations of any size.
“Significantly, as it is a purpose-built facility it provides a conducive learning environment not found in multi-purpose ‘town halls’ that are available for hire for any purpose, such as parties,” Mr Williams said.
Skill360 Australia is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation that focuses on vocational education and training activities. In addition to making the Skill360 Australia Community Learning Annex available to community groups to deliver training, Skill360 Australia will use it to provide free programs such as school leaver programs, pre-vocational programs, not-for-profit management courses and courses for business in environmental sustainability.
The project will be completed by January 2011.
Media Contact:
Troy Williams - CEO, Skill360 Australia
t: 1300 933 358 (Intl: +61 7 4046 4000)